Packers newcomer shares strong opinion that could dramatically change what defense looks like in 2026
Veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin, acquired by the Packers via trade with the Colts, is excited to play alongside Edgerrin Cooper this upcoming season.
General manager Brian Gutekunst jumped ahead of the market to define the situation at off-ball linebacker for the Green Bay Packers this offseason. Knowing they would be priced out for former first-round pick Quay Walker, the Packers traded for veteran Zaire Franklin — a player whom Gutekunst had already tried to acquire years ago.
Not only did Green Bay trade for him, the team also gave him a salary bump. It’s a two-year, $18 million deal. Now, the veteran will start alongside Edgerrin Cooper, and that’s a big part of the plan.
“I had an opportunity when we did joint practice last year against Green Bay,” Franklin recalled to NFL Network. “Just grabbing young Edge and telling him I respected his game and how he was growing in this league.”
Process to develop Cooper
The Packers drafted Edgerrin Cooper in the second round two years ago and he was explosive from the jump. Last year, however, Cooper had a more difficult time taking a leap. The plan now is to offer Cooper a steadier presence to help his development. Much more experienced, Franklin is the ideal partner at the position.
“Having been with him the past couple months or so, just seeing how he works, his athletic ability, man,” Franklin added. “It’s kind of funny when you’re in Year 9, you’re watching a young dude running and bend and dip and make all these moves. He’s extremely talented. He’s a playmaker.”
For Franklin, the expectations couldn’t be much higher.
“The first thing I told him when I got traded is that we’re going to be the best duo in the world,” the veteran said. “That’s the standard that I’m holding ourselves to, that’s the standard I hold myself to, and we’re just going to continue to work and compete to get there.”
In his final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025, Zaire Franklin had 19 pressures, 39 stops, and 80 tackles. The big issue for him was coverage, and Edgerrin Cooper can likely make up for it. The youngster had a solid 76.5 coverage grade via PFF last season, in addition to 12 pressures, 45 stops, and 85 tackles.
The Packers have invested more in the linebacker position lately. Hopefully for them, the new defensive coaching staff will take full advantage to reap the benefits of those investments with Franklin and Cooper on the field at the same time.